E-Learning

On Monday, June 17th, the World Health Organization (WHO) released a final draft of the 11th revision of the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-11), and in it ‘gaming disorder’ is listed as a ‘disorder due to addictive behaviours’. The draft explicitly describes the disorder as a persistent behaviour pattern that can lead to significant widespread impairment across all ‘important areas of functioning’.

If you are reading this blog, you probably have at least a few things in common with me. Obviously, you can read and write. In English. You have access to an Internet connection, probably from your own smartphone or computer. You probably have electricity at home, and a fridge containing food for your next meal. You’ve probably finished high school, and quite likely you also have a university degree.

Diplo’s recent conference on the Future of Diplomacy included a session on the hype and reality of online learning. Panellists and participants discussed whether diplomacy can be taught online, and how. They looked at just-in-time and blended learning. They considered trends like MOOCs (massive open online courses), and the effective use of webinars and visuals.

In 2006, as I was selected by my country to fulfil the role of ambassador extraordinary and plenipotentiary to the Republic of Indonesia, and I found myself searching for options to further my education in the diplomatic field, without having to suspend work. Serving in a non-English speaking country made it an extra challenge to use local libraries for furthering my education.

Diplo is pleased to announce a new partnership on diplomatic training with the National Foreign Service Institute (ISEN) of Argentina. This summer, the two institutions signed a memorandum of understanding with the aim to promote and develop mutual cooperation in the field of online diplomatic training. The memorandum of understanding was signed by the Director of ISEN, Ambassador Celeste Koch, who has attended two Diplo courses herself, experiencing the online learning methodology firsthand.

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Diplo is a non-profit foundation established by the governments of Malta and Switzerland. Diplo works to increase the role of small and developing states, and to improve global governance and international policy development.